Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, has said the ongoing enforcement of laws prohibiting the use of vehicles with covered, obscured, or no registration plates is a matter of public interest, safety and security.

Addressing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri, the weekend, while displaying some impounded vehicles, CP Bosso said the exercise was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at improving public safety, strengthening intelligence gathering and denying criminal elements the anonymity they often exploit to perpetrate crimes.”

According to him, “this enforcement is backed by the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which require every vehicle to display valid and clearly visible registration plates. The Nigeria Police Force is empowered under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Police Act, 2020, and other extant laws to enforce these provisions in the interest of public safety and national security.”

Reiterating the Command’s commitment under his watch to proactive policing and to continually take all lawful measures necessary to ensure the safety and security of all Imo people, the CP urged all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and the registration plates are clearly visible at all times.

He advised that those whose registration plates are damaged, obscured or missing should immediately take steps to regularize them in accordance with the law, stressing that anyone who violates the law would be made to face the wrath of the law.

He said, “Our operational experience has shown that perpetrators of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other serious crimes frequently use vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plates to conceal their identities, evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts. We will not allow such practices to undermine the security of Imo State.

“Accordingly, I have directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and officers on patrol across the State to intensify enforcement in a firm, professional and intelligence-driven manner while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

He continued, “Since the commencement of this enforcement, the Command has impounded over twenty-five (25) vehicles found to be driving with covered, obscured or no registration plates. The owners are being profiled, while appropriate enforcement actions are being taken. All persons found in violation, irrespective of their status, will be prosecuted.

“Let me state clearly that this exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens or encourage extortion. It is a proactive security measure designed to improve the identification and traceability of vehicles, deter criminal activities and enhance public confidence in our security architecture.”

“I also call on residents of Imo State to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons, vehicles and activities within their communities. Security is a shared responsibility, and public cooperation remains critical to our collective success,” he added.